(Photo courtesy of Jespahjoy on Flickr)
We’re days away from the holidays and, of course, we don’t want to spoil the joy by rushing our pet to an emergency hospital because of something we could have avoided. So, here are some tips to protect you pet from the hazards of the season.
Pet-proof your Christmas tree
Anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tumble. It can hit your pet when it falls. Natural Christmas trees may contain fertilizers in its water, which can upset your pet’s stomach if ingested. According to ASPCA, stagnant tree water is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Your pet can end up with nausea or diarrhea if she drinks it.
Choose safe decoration
Keep wires, batteries and ornaments out of your pet’s reach. According to ASPCA, wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock. A punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. Shards of ornaments can also damage your pet’s mouth.
Careful with tinsel
Brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel. Dogs and especially cats love to play with sparkly objects. If swallowed, tinsel can cause obstruction of the digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration, and may require surgery.
Buy safe toys
When buying a Christmas present for your pet, take into consideration her ability to destroy it. If you own a dog who is a strong chewer, don’t be tempted to buy the cute stuffed bear. She will shred it into pieces and may swallow parts of it, which can cause obstruction and require surgery.
A tough toy such as Planet Dog or Bumi might be a good option. If you are giving your cat a toy with ribbon or yarn, supervise the play.
Beware of holiday plants
If ingested, many plants typical of the season can harm your pet’s health. Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And lilies can cause kidney failure in cats (more about toxic plants here). Artificial plants or a pet-safe bouquet may be a great alternative.
Careful with the candles
Lighted candles attract the attention of pets, especially cats. They may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Make sure you have a safe candle holder and place the candles on a stable surface. Put the candle out if you leave the room.
Don’t change your pet’s diet
The holidays come with many delicious foods. But fatty and spicy dishes are not good for your pet’s health. They can make your pet sick and even develop pancreatitis (canine and feline). Have in mind that many ingredients are also toxic to pets, such as grapes, onions, chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, and that bones can perforate your dog’s digestive system.
Don’t leave your pet unattended near plates of food. Be careful with alcoholic drinks around, since they are also harmful to pets.
*
It’s better to be on the safe side than spoiling the party because of accidents that could have been avoided. By preparing yourself, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays next to your loved ones without surprises.